Mount Tanigawa

What it is

• A 1,977-meter mountain located on the border of Gunma and Niigata prefectures
• Part of the Joshin'etsu-kogen National Park and a designated UNESCO Eco Park
• One of Japan's Three Major Rock Faces known for challenging climbing routes
• A site where over 800 people have died since record-keeping began in 1931

What to see

• The twin peaks of Toma-no-mimi and Oki-no-mimi at the summit
• The sheer Ichinokurasawa rock face popular with experienced rock climbers
• Views from the Tanigawa-dake Ropeway connecting the base to Tenjin Ridge
• The Kan-etsu and Shimizu tunnels which pass directly through the mountain

When to go

• An annual safety prayer festival is held on the Gunma side every July

Getting there

• Accessible via Doai Station located on the Joetsu Line

Notes written by Japan Gems from facts in Japanese Wikipedia.